Theoretical orientation revolution in clinical psychology: Fact or fiction?

The 1980s have been depicted as a decade of revolution for theory and practice in modern clinical psychology. Some have postulated a move toward eclecticism and the integration of the major theoretical orientations. Others have posited trends away from some major orientations, such as behaviorism, or a renewal of commitment to classical views, such as psychoanalysis. Unfortunately, the data supporting these assertions are typically lacking or flawed. This study offers a more methodologically sound analysis of changes in theoretical orientation during the 1980s. The proclaimed shift to eclecticism, death of behaviorism, and resurgence of psychoanalysis were not confirmed. However, the possible beginnings of a move to the cognitive perspective and the continuation of the behavioral, interpersonal relations, and psychoanalytic orientations as major forces in clinical psychology were identified. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)